Thursday, 9 July 2015

Bateaux Dubai, Dinner Cruise, Dubai Creek, United Arab Emirates

Bateaux Dubai - Luxury Dinner Cruise

Bateaux Dubai Luxury Dinner Cruise

What better way could there be to explore the waterways of
Dubai than on a luxurious dinner cruise floating atop the serene surface of
Dubai Creek? Soak up Dubai’s rich heritage in the foreground and stunning feats
of modern architecture in the background aboard an air-conditioned glass-enclosed
boat, while relishing a gourmet meal and sipping on a preferred beverage. To
top it off live entertainment provides a contemporary theme track to the experience,
and exceptional service makes a night to remember. That sounded like an
agreeable evening to us both, so the Bateaux Dubai we boarded.

Designed by the French company, Seine Design,
state-of-the-art technology provides comfort, prime positioning for sightseeing
and an eco-friendly ride. Unobstructed views are ensured with anti-reflective
glass (even the ceiling is transparent) gifting diners in every seat clear
vistas of the city skyline. Powerful air-conditioning keeps the cabin chilled
even on the most parching of nights, and a high-calibre sound system kindles a
chic setting with the hum of tasteful background music. Green technology assist
in reducing noise and exhaust emissions, and too ensures the vessel produces no
effluent. Additionally, the boat’s flat bottom literally glides over the calm
waters of the creek, treating us to smooth sailing for the entirety of the
journey.

Bateaux Dubai on the Dubai Creek

Dining Tables on Board

While we relish our meal in the comfort of air-conditioning,
we begin and end our journey on the al fresco deck. From both locations we’re privy
to a number of sites: the British Embassy, Maktoum Bridge, Dubai Courts, the
Floating Bridge, the Clock Tower, The Dhow Wharfage, Dubai Chamber of Commerce,
National Bank of Dubai, the Etisalat Building, the Twin Towers, Deira Tower,
Old Souk/ Spice Souk, Gold Souk, the Heritage and Diving Village, Sheikh Saeed’s
House, the Diwan (government) and Bastakiya, Dubai Museum, Grand Mosque, and
the Old Boat Port.

Upper Deck

An Older Part of Dubai

Downtown Skyline in the Distance

Prettily Lit at Night

Buildings Along the Dubai Creek

Other Watercraft on the Creek

Being torn between surveying the sights and the menu, we
finally settle in to take a look at what our choices are for the four course a
la carte dinner. Appreciatively we discover that JA Resorts and Hotels, the
company running the cruise, supports sustainability by purchasing only humanely
treated animal ingredients and “sustainable produce and products that are not
harmful to our environment.” I raise my eyebrows when I see foie gras and veal
on the menu, but see that they are certified with WWF humanitarian
certification – impressive! Tuna are only caught by circle hook, and the group
even won the Pro Chef Middle East Sustainability Championship in 2014.

Besides the ‘green’ menu, I’m also delighted to see a
delicious and complete line up of vegetarian options, and a very simple symbol
system clearly identifying dishes containing nuts, alcohol, shellfish, chili
and gluten. A comprehensive range of drinks supports the solid line-up with
reasonably priced house wines, moving to some mid-range drops and all the way
up to some very fine vintages. Cocktails, spirits, liqueurs, non-alcoholic
beverages, beers and specialty coffees make up a comprehensive list ensuring no
one goes thirsty.

We choose wine for our meal, but packages can be purchased with free flow
house pours, or orders for individual drinks can be made from the bar.

House Pouring Rose

House Pouring Pinot Grigio

Fruit punch and warm bread rolls are immediately on our
table, and not long after so too are the set plate of appetizers and a
delicious mushroom cappuccino. The soup is thick and creamy with the rich taste
of the earth, and an asparagus filled ravioli topped with Parmesan foam makes a
tasty accompaniment.

Welcome Fruit Punch

Appetizers

Mushroom Cappuccino with Asparagus Ravioli and Parmesan Foam

My food selections are all from the meat-free menu line-up. The
Mezzah Froid – Mezzah Chaud is a highlight with petite portions of walnut
beetroot quenelle, carrot hummus, spinach bil zeit, haloumi spring roll,
spinach fatayer and Arabic bread. I follow with the Poached Smoked Egg with
Porcini Mushroom and Green Pea Crème. It was a difficult decision though
between that and the Pearl Barley with Saffron, or the Fried Couscous with
Purple Sweet Potato Cream. Red Orange with Grapefruit and Pineapple ends my
meal with a pretty picture, but I’d also like to return to try the Nut-Cake
with Rhubarb.

Mezze

Lemon Sorbet Palate Cleanser

Poached Smoked Egg with Porcini Mushroom and Green Pea Crème

Red Orange with Grapefruit and Pineapple

Hubby has chosen a protein packed nosh, starting pleasingly
with the Sous Vide Cooked Free-Range Chicken. Seasoned with minted avocado,
garlic and soya-ginger jus, he declares this his favourite dish of the night. Australian
Black Angus Tenderloin with Mushroom Cream is too a flavourful plate. Braised
beetroot, goats’ cheese ravioli, celeriac mousse and truffle jus provide
decoration that is both attractive and toothsome. Lover-of-all-things-creamy,
hubby is gratified by a light aerated Mango and Yoghurt Cheesecake with a refreshing
ball of Mango Sorbet to complete his menu.

Sous Vide Organic Free Range Chicken

Australian Tenderloin

Mango Cheesecake

Boarding of the Bateaux Dubai begins at 7:45pm with the
vessel departing at 8:30pm and returning at 11pm. Summer Rates, valid until
August 2015 see the four course dinner with unlimited soft drinks priced at AED
295, and the meal with unlimited house beverages at AED 395. While there are a
number of different cruise companies operating along the creek, Bateaux Dubai
is top of the line, and as such in high demand, so advance reservations are a
must.

Reasons to visit:
a fantastic way to see the sights of the historic lifeline of the city in
comfort and style; sound sustainability practices; delicious menu with an
extensive range of vegetarian options and gourmet delights; comprehensive
drinks menu.

Alcohol galore in the U.A.E.Smacks of hypocrisy doesn't it?Someone has their lines crossed, but I guess money talkslouder than principles???The food does look so magnificent - really out of this world.But I guess with OIL money, that can be easily achieved.Funny how a Canadian has never eaten on a boat.I did when in Montreal on the St. Lawrence albeit at a sideoff at Lake Saint Louis. Most fortunately the river cruiser restaurant was heated - it was in winter.You are doing the U.A.E great promotions but then from Australiato Europe by plane, they have got with Emirates/Qantas the best and fastest routings to so many European Capitals.I'd still, if I could, stick with Thai International.I can hardly wait for the Spanish holiday and report on food, hospitality etc.OleCheersColin and my mate, El Cordobes.

There was no-one who shouldn't have been drinking on the cruise. There are definite limits on where you can drink, but there are many spots with licenses to cater to foreigners and expats who like to enjoy a beverage with their meal. Food was indeed lovely - much above your standard fare. Yes, there are many flights that pass through the Emirates. Very convenient. We flew with Emirates and had great service, good meals (you have an extensive list you can preorder from if you have specific dietary requirements) and the entertainment system is comprehensive. Don't quote me on the numbers, but I'd like to say there were at least 200 movies to choose from, besides games, TV shows, radio etc. You can even connect to the Internet in the air. ;-)